Is this more than a marketing coincidence?

By Alex Smith | Sep 14 | 4:57PM

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May 6, 2019; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving (11) reacts during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports (Greg M. Cooper)

It looks like the New York rivalry is on.

This summer, Kyrie Irving elected to sign with the Nets on a four-year, $136 million contract, while the Knicks, who had targeted Irving, were left watching as Brooklyn assembled a team consisting of some free agent stars.

So when the Knicks travel to Barclays Center on Friday, October 25 for an early-season matchup between the two New York teams, the Nets have decided to give away 10,000 replica Irving jerseys to the fans in attendance.

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Takeaways from Kevin Durant's WSJ feature: His decision to join Nets, NBA drama and more

The Journal also delves into his current situations with OKC and GSW

April 28, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) celebrates against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter in game one of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports (Kyle Terada)

The interview, published on YouTube, was focused mostly on music, sneakers and video games (Definitely worth checking out if you're interested in those topics/seeing an NBA star in a relaxed setting). Durant also talked briefly about the Nets.

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Nets' Rodions Kurucs reportedly arrested Tuesday

The 6-foot-9, 210-pound forward was allegedly involved in a domestic dispute

The report cited "police sources" that said the 21-year-old Kurucs was allegedly involved in an altercation before "that spiraled out of control" with his girlfriend at the time in his Carroll Gardens apartment on Bond St. near First St. in Brooklyn.

During the argument, which the report said took place before 8 p.m. June 27, Kurucs allegedly screamed, "I am going to kill myself," before he put his hands around the woman's throat.

By Corey Hersch | Sep 1 | 8:58PM

With newly-acquired Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irvingreportedly "pushing" the Nets to take a look at Carmelo Anthony, the question remains: What would the 10-time All-Star think about continuing his NBA career in Brooklyn?

Scouts weigh in on who is a better fit for Nets: D'Angelo Russell or Kyrie Irving

The Nets have added plenty of depth, but Irving's play will be in focus

Even in the wake of Wilson Chandler's suspension, the Nets have plenty of depth.

First, there's the returning young core of Caris LeVert, Spencer Dinwiddie, Jarrett Allen, Joe Harris and Rodions Kurucs. Then there are the are the Nets' less heralded offseason additions: Taurean Prince, Garrett Temple, and David Nwaba.

Former Knicks and 10-time All-Star Carmelo Anthony may have looked "great" during his offseason workouts with the Nets, but with 15 guaranteed contracts on their books, it didn't look like there was a spot for him.

That was until Wilson Chandler was just suspended for PED use.

Chandler's 25-game suspension for the violation could open a sport for Anthony if the Nets choose to waive him, though there are no indications that the club has plans to do that. Brooklyn could part ways with Chandler without taking a hit given his one-year, veteran minimum deal he signed this offseason with the team.

Signing a veteran minimum one-year, $2.56 million deal for this season, Chandler joined the Nets as a depth piece off the bench. The starting small forward will definitely be Caris LeVert, as he'll be looking to make an immediate impact after his contract extension. Also, Taurean Prince was also brought in via trade, so Chandler already had competition at the position before this mistake.

Nets big man Jarrett Allen was a few blocks from the Barclays Center on Tuesday, giving haircuts to local kids through his foundation. He took a few minutes to talk about the upcoming season, USA Basketball and a few other topics during the event. Here are a few highlights from his chat with reporters.

Ripple effects of Caris LeVert's extension and what it means for Nets' cap space

LeVert locks up Brooklyn's core but leaves it little flexibility on future moves

Caris LeVert's extension leaves the Nets with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, DeAndre Jordan, Spencer Dinwiddie and LeVert all under contract through the 2020-21 season. That's a strong group to build around -- and one that doesn't even include Jarrett Allen, who can sign an extension with Brooklyn next summer.

But the Nets' core group is also an expensive one. And the LeVert extension -- which was necessary for Brooklyn -- leaves the club with a little less flexibility in future offseasons.

Mikhail Prokhorov sells majority ownership of Nets to Joe Tsai

The Brooklyn Nets have a new roster and now a new owner

By Nick Wojton | Aug 16 | 11:55AM

Mikhail Prokhorov has officially agreed to sell the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center to Joe Tsai on Friday, the team announced.

The sale is likely to be completed in September, following the approval of the NBA Board of Governors.

Tsai previous bought a 49 percent stake in the Nets for $1.1 billion in 2018. That purchase, plus the recent Friday announcements, brings to approximate total purchase near $2.35 billion. With Barclays Center included, the total nears $3.5 billion.

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Sources: Former Knick Carmelo Anthony has been working out with Nets players

Could Anthony be in play for Brooklyn this season?

By Ian Begley and Anthony Puccio | Aug 14 | 3:42PM

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Jan 27, 2019; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks former player Carmelo Anthony on the court before a game against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

Ten-time All-Star and free agent forward Carmelo Anthony has been participating in informal team workouts and scrimmages with Brooklyn Nets players in Los Angeles recently, per SNY sources.

Anthony, who played 10 games with the Houston Rockets last season before being released, said last week in an interview on First Take that he and his representatives have been in touch with several teams, including the Lakers and Clippers, about potentially signing a contract for the coming season.

It is unknown if the Nets are one of the teams that Anthony and his representatives have talked to about a potential signing. The club's interest level in signing Anthony to a contract is also unknown.

Alibaba founder already owns 49 percent of team

Aug 13 | 11:42PM

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Nov 21, 2018; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of the team logo on the shorts of Brooklyn Nets forward Jared Dudley (6) as he warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports (Jerome Miron)

Joseph Tsai has owned 49 percent of the Nets for the last year, but it now sounds like he is poised to become the team's sole owner.

According to a report from the New York Post, Tsai is set to buy the remaining 51 percent of the team from Mikhail Prokhorov for $2.35 billion, which would be the highest price ever paid for a sports franchise, topping what David Tepper paid for the Carolina Panthers last year ($2.2 billion).

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Nets 2019-20 season schedule released, will open at home against Timberwolves on Oct. 23

Notable games include Knicks early on, Kyrie's return to Boston and 12 national broadcasts

By Ian Begley | Jul 29 | 10:11PM

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Knicks, Nets schedules released00:01:18

SNY's Ian Begley reveals some key dates for both the Knicks and Nets including Kyrie Irving's return to Boston and Porzingis' return to MSG.

Thanks to Brooklyn's big moves in free agency, the Knicks-Nets rivalry will be relevant again this season. And the Nets will see plenty of their crosstown rivals early in the year.

Brooklyn plays New York on Oct. 25 at the Barclays Center - the club's second game of the season - and travels to Madison Square Garden for the first time on Nov. 24.

There should be plenty of energy in both buildings after Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant - two of the Knicks' top targets in free agency - signed with Brooklyn in July.

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Kevin Durant on signing with the Nets: 'If I was leaving the Warriors, it was always going to be for the Nets'

Durant also gives an update on his rehab from torn Achilles

Aug 7 | 6:21PM

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Team LeBron forward Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against Team LeBron guard Kyrie Irving of the Boston Celtics during NBA All-Star Game practice at the Bojangles Coliseum. (Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports)

Experts weigh in on the potential silver lining of Kevin Durant's Achilles injury

What should fans expect when KD finally debuts with the Nets?

As you'd expect, the Nets aren't providing any timetable for Kevin Durant's return to the court.

"We're certainly not going to rush him back," GM Sean Marks said recently on a WFAN interview. "There's going to be absolutely none of that. We have far too much invested in him, and we owe it to Kevin to get him back to 100%."

Will Durant ever be fully healthy after tearing his right Achilles? And can he return to the court next season?

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Trainer for Nets' Spencer Dinwiddie explains why he and Caris LeVert will thrive with Kyrie Irving

Spencer Dinwiddie isn't going to sneak up on anyone this season. He's doubled his scoring over the last three seasons and established himself as one of the most important players on the Nets. So, opponents will key on Dinwiddie this season when they go over defensive plans for a game against Brooklyn. To counter that, Dinwiddie's added a few more wrinkles to his offensive repertoire this summer.

Below, Dinwiddie's trainer, Olin Simplis, takes us through some of Dinwiddie's new finishes, what Caris Levert has worked on during sessions with Dinwiddie and Simplis and how Dinwiddie and LeVert can thrive alongside new Net Kyrie Irving.

New Net DeAndre Jordan shed a little light on his decision to sign with the Nets over the Knicks in free agency.

"Not to knock the culture the Knicks are creating," he said during an a promotional appearance for Dunkin', according to Gothamist, "but we like what [Nets coach] Kenny [Atkinson]'s doing and [general manager] Sean [Marks] has been awesome and the organization, from top to bottom, has been great. So you want to be a part of something like that, especially when you have a chance to play with other great players and build something."

Six New York teams made the cut, with two of those teams (Yankees and Knicks) leading their respective sports. No NHL or MLS teams made the top 50, although the Rangers are the highest-ranking hockey team at 72 with a value of $1.55 billion.

Here are the local rankings, which are based on Forbes' published valuations over the past 12 months:

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Despite flurry of moves from Nets and others, Tobias Harris says Sixers are 'for sure at the top in the East'

Some around Harris saw the Nets as a fit heading into free agency

May 9, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris (33) reacts during the first quarter against the Toronto Raptors in game six of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports (Bill Streicher)

Sixers star Tobias Harris has a message for the Nets - and any other revamped team in the East with hopes of making a deep playoff run.

"We're for sure at the top in the East," Harris said Thursday at the NBPA/Five-Star Camp at Basketball City. "With that being said, it's the NBA. It's hard to win games in the NBA. We know it's going to take a lot of chemistry. It's going to take work from every single guy on the team. We have big goals for ourselves, our team, our organization. We're ready for it."

Harris, who signed a five-year, $180 million deal to stay in Philadelphia, re-joins a Sixers core of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Philadelphia also added Al Horford and Josh Richardson.

The Nets GM addressed expectations for his two new additions

Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant sits on the court after an apparent injury during the second quarter in Game 5 against the Toronto Raptors of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena. (Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports)

Nets general manager Sean Marks said in an interview with WFAN on Tuesday that Kevin Durant - and Durant alone - will decide when he returns to the court for Brooklyn. He also said the club will give Kyrie Irving a 'clean slate,' rather than pass judgement on what may or may not have happened with Irving last season in Boston.

Ex-Knick Henry Ellenson agrees to sign with Nets

Knicks declined option on forward last month

By Tom Krosnowski | Jul 15 | 7:29PM

Mar 15, 2019; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Rudy Gay (22) reaches in to steal the ball from New York Knicks power forward Henry Ellenson (right) during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports (Soobum Im)

Another NBA player has chosen Brooklyn.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday that 22-year-old forward Henry Ellenson has agreed to sign a two-way deal with the Nets, where he will compete for a role on the team's bench. He will also be eligible to be sent down and recalled from the Long Island Nets, Brooklyn's G-League affiliate, without having to be placed on waivers.

Ellenson is a big forward at 6'11 and 245 pounds, but profiles best as a stretch four. Over his first three NBA seasons, Ellenson has averaged 4.3 points and 2.5 rebounds while shooting 35.3 percent on three-pointers. He had his best statistical season last year, averaging 6.0 points and 3.5 rebounds while hitting 44.7 percent of his three-pointers with both the Pistons and Knicks.

The Nets and guard David Nwaba have agreed to a two-year deal, according to The Athletic. The contract includes a team option for the second year.

Upon his signing, Nwaba brings the Nets to a full 15-man roster, after the team made big splash free agent additions earlier this offseason in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Nwaba, 26, played with the Cavaliers last season, averaging 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.

According to ESPN, Nwaba's deal is for the veteran minimum, $1.7 million and $1.8 million each season, respectively. Nwaba will battle with the likes of Garrett Temple, Caris LeVert and others for playing time in 2019.

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Ranking NBA's Atlantic Division starting lineups -- where Nets stand

There were plenty of changes in the Atlantic Division this summer

By David Vertsberger | Jul 12 | 10:33AM

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Team LeBron forward Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against Team LeBron guard Kyrie Irving of the Boston Celtics during NBA All-Star Game practice at the Bojangles Coliseum. (Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports)

The NBA completely reshaped itself in a little over a week's time, shifting the balance of power in dramatic ways for years to come.

Gone are the days of the unbeatable Golden State Warriors, ditto for the Russell Westbrook-led Oklahoma City Thunder and fledgling Los Angeles Clippers. The Knicks have seen similar changes in their own neighborhood, as the splash the Brooklyn Nets made in free agency has made the Atlantic Division no walk in Central Park.

Here are the starting lineups each team in the revamped Atlantic Division could roll out come October, ranked, and how the Nets stack up:

Marks also would not give timeline on Durant's Achilles' tear

Jul 9 | 7:11PM

The Brooklyn Nets did not even need a meeting to secure Kevin Durant in free agency.

GM Sean Marks revealed at a press conference on Tuesday that Durant committed to the Nets via Instagram without even taking a meeting or speaking with the team.

"The Instagram post that he put out, we were all sitting in the office and we all got that in real time with you guys," Marks said. "We weren't even sure if we were getting a meeting that night or a telephone conversation with him."

Nets guard Joe Harris played with Kyrie Irving in Cleveland and he believes the public perception of Irving doesn't align with the person he knows.

"Kyrie, he's got a big personality. I think he's one of these guys that's misunderstood," Harris told reporters in Las Vegas, per The Athletic's Michael Scotto. "I think the way that he's construed in the media is probably going to paint him in a light that is not necessarily true."

Harris said he had 'a lot of good times' with Irving when they played together in Cleveland for parts of two seasons.

LAS VEGAS -- With Kyrie Irving and (an injured) Kevin Durant on the roster, the Nets, understandably, have high expectations.

"Now it's championship talk. That's all you've got to think about, It's what we've got to work toward," new Net Taurean Prince said on Sunday at halftime of Brooklyn's Summer League game. "We've got to do exactly what we've got to do to get there. Whether it's with Kevin Durant or without him, and then next year even with him, it's same talk."

Brooklyn added Durant and Irving to a team that won 42 games and made the playoffs last season. Durant, of course, is expected to miss the season while rehabbing from an Achilles injury.

New team, new number: Kevin Durant joins Nets, changing jersey number

Durant had worn No. 35 since college

Jul 7 | 8:47PM

Kevin Durant will have a fresh start and a fresh jersey number with the Nets.

Durant revealed he will wear No. 7 with Brooklyn.

"35 took my family and me from Seat Pleasant, MD, and showed us the world," Durant wrote. "... But as I start this new chapter inn my basketball life, the number I'll be wearing on my back is the number 7 next time you see me on the floor."

With the major chips falling in NBA free agency, the next tier of signings are underway and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is now a former Brooklyn Nets player.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the 24 year old has signed a one-year deal with the defending champions, the Toronto Raptors. Hollis-Jefferson is a former first-round pick, going off the board at pick No. 23 at the 2015 NBA draft. Hollis-Jefferson was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers and then his draft rights were traded to the Nets where he spent the first four years of his career.

Nets make Kyrie Irving, DeAndre Jordan deals official

Marks: 'One of the NBA's elite guards'

Jul 7 | 10:41AM

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Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving brings the ball up court against the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter in Game 3 of the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. (Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports)

The Nets announced two of their five big free-agent signings on Sunday, making the Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan deals official.

"The entire coaching staff is excited to have the opportunity to coach a player of Kyrie's caliber," Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson said in a press release. "He is as talented and accomplished as any point guard in our game and we are enthusiastic about integrating him and our other new roster additions into our returning core."

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Jared Dudley talks Kevin Durant to Nets, takes swipe at Knicks

'Let's be honest, the Knicks are going to be bad'

Apr 18, 2019; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Jared Dudley (6) and head coach Kenny Atkinson argue with official James Capers (19) in the third quarter in game three of the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports (Wendell Cruz)

Ex-Net Jared Dudley has some interesting insight on Kevin Durant's decision to sign with the Nets (over the Knicks) and DeAndre Jordan's role in Brooklyn's acquisition of Durant and Kyrie Irving.

In an interview with ESPN's The Woj Pod, Dudley, who signed with the Lakers on Thursday, said Irving and Durant made the right decision to sign with Brooklyn "because of the organizational stability over there."

While making it clear that he wants the Knicks to do well because it's good for the NBA's business, Dudley believes that the Nets will usurp attention from the Knicks now that they have Durant and Irving.

An 11-year NBA veteran, Chandler has spent time with the Knicks, Nuggets, Sixers, and Clippers, averaging 12.9 point per game. He's always been a decent three-point shooter as well, shooting 34.3 percent from beyond the arc.

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A closer look at some issues surrounding the Knicks, Nets and Kevin Durant

Let's take a look at some issues surrounding the seismic events of the last two days for the Knicks and the Nets:

WAS KEVIN DURANT GOING TO COME TO THE KNICKS?

Executives and agents felt for months that if Durant decided to leave Golden State, he was going to come to the Knicks. Several of Durant's current and former teammates believed it was going to happen. During the season, people around Durant were telling confidants that he was likely headed to the Knicks if he chose to leave Golden State, per SNY sources. And it's safe to assume that Durant wasn't planning to come alone. The Knicks, of course, had enough cap space to land two stars.

The Nets made the biggest free agent splash when they landed Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant to their team next season.

These two top free agents had options this summer as to where they wanted to spend the next few years in their careers. For Irving, playing back home was something he envisioned, and that's the reasoning he gave in an Instagram video he posted on Monday...

Russell joins Golden State on four-year, $117 million deal

Apr 13, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard D'Angelo Russell (1) reacts to his bench during a break in the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers in game one of the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports (Bill Streicher)

The Nets continue to surprise everyone this offseason with another unexpected move on Sunday night.

D'Angelo Russell is reportedly the crux of a sign-and-trade deal with the Warriors, reports The Athletic's Shams Charania. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski added the terms to the deal being four years, $117 million. The deal will also include G Shabazz Napier and F Treveon Graham from Brooklyn to Golden State.

The Nets extended a qualifying offer to Russell on Friday, as they looked forward to their splashes in the free agency pool. It was always expected that if the Nets landed Kyrie Irving, which they did along with Kevin Durant, that Russell's time in Brooklyn was over as SNY's Ian Begley has been reporting.

Durant joins Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan in Brooklyn

By Ian Begley | Jun 30 | 5:02PM

The Brooklyn Nets have two of the best players in the NBA - a gut punch to the New York Knicks.

Kevin Durant announced on Sunday via his sports business network "The Boardroom" that he will be playing with the Nets next season.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, who first reported Durant's commitment, the two-time Finals MVP is expected to sign a four-year contract worth just below the max of $164 million. Durant is expected to be joined by his friend, Kyrie Irving, who reportedly will work quickly on reaching an agreement with the Nets.

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Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving take less money so Nets can add DeAndre Jordan

Jordan, whom Brooklyn was targeting amid its pursuits of two of the top free agents in this year's class, joined the Nets after both Durant and Irving took less than the max deals they could have received, according to Wojnarowski.

Durant could have received a four-year, $164 million deal, while the Nets could max Irving's contract at four years, $141 million.

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What's next for Nets after reportedly nearing deal with free agent Kyrie Irving?

With Irving heading to Brooklyn, D'Angelo Russell's run as a Net has seemingly ended

The long-expected marriage between Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets is almost here.

ESPN reported on Saturday that the Nets will meet with Irving when free agency opens on Sunday night and both sides are 'motivated to move quickly' to agree on a max contract of four years and $141 million.

The Irving signing means the end of D'Angelo Russell's run in Brooklyn. SNY reported earlier this month that it was highly unlikely that Russell would remain in Brooklyn if Irving signed there. ESPN reported Saturday that Brooklyn is expected to either renounce Russell, which would allow him to become an unrestricted free agent, or execute a sign-and-trade.

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Knicks and Nets reportedly among four teams that Kevin Durant will engage with at the start of free agency

The Clippers and Warriors are also on Durant's reported list

Jun 28 | 9:41PM

Kevin Durant will reportedly have conversations with four teams when free agency officially begins on Sunday, and both the Knicks and Nets are on his list.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Durant will engage with the Nets, Knicks, Clippers, and Warriors when free agency begins. SNY Insider Ian Begley has confirmed that the Knicks expect to have an audience with Durant, while also noting that it's unclear if they will land a meeting with Kawhi Leonard.

Sources told Begley earlier on Friday that the Nets are not the favorites to sign Durant, which had become a prevalent thought in recent days.

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Nets extend qualifying offer to D'Angelo Russell: report

The Nets have reportedly made the expected move in making him a restricted free agent

The Brooklyn Nets have nearly enough cap space for two max players. So we know they are going to be hunting for top free agents in a couple of days. They have a strong core of young players and are coming off of a season in which they increased their win total by 14 games and made the playoffs. So it seems logical that they'd be a strong suitor for some of the top free agents.

But besides their recent on-court success, there's another element in Brooklyn that could be attractive to potential free agents: their medical and performance staff.

Here's how Nets veteran Jared Dudley described the medical staff shortly after the season:

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Sources: Nets not the favorites to sign free agent Kevin Durant

The Knicks, Clippers, and Warriors are in play

Jan 28, 2019; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts by pounding on his chest after making a play against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports (Brian Spurlock)

There have been some strong suggestions on television and radio recently that the Brooklyn Nets are the front runners for Kevin Durant.

But that notion is not accurate. Sources familiar with the matter told SNY that the Nets are not the front runners or favorites to sign Durant at the moment.

Durant, according to The Athletic, has not yet decided if he'll meet with teams when free agency starts on Sunday night. But if he does, those meetings will take place in New York, according to the website.

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Lakers reportedly have 'serious interest' in Nets' D'Angelo Russell

Could the Lakers look to bring back their former second-overall draft choice?

By Alex Smith | Jun 26 | 6:02PM

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Apr 13, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard D'Angelo Russell (1) reacts to his bench during a break in the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers in game one of the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports (Bill Streicher)

It appears that the Lakers have interest in bringing back D'Angelo Russell, the player they drafted second overall in the 2015 NBA Draft.

According to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Lakers have 'serious interest' in the All-Star point guard. Charania cites the Lakers' familiarity with Russell as one of the main reasons they'd be interested in a re-union with him.

Russell has steadily improved his game in each of his four NBA seasons, earning his first All-Star selection in 2018-19 when he averaged 21.1 points, 7.0 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game.

Something that could impact the Knicks and Nets: Multiple teams have expressed interest in pairing Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler together in free agency this summer, per league sources familiar with the matter.

Those teams, obviously, would need to create the cap space required to sign both players. The teams interested in Butler and Leonard believe they would have interest in playing on the same team, per league sources.

This doesn't suggest that Leonard is seeking to team up with any other player; that doesn't fit his persona. But teams interested in pairing Leonard and Butler believe they would have interest in playing together.

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Nets target Kevin Durant becomes unrestricted free agent: Here's all you need to know so far about his market

Could the Nets make a KD-Kyrie combo happen in Brooklyn?

April 30, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the third quarter in game two of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Rockets 115-109. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports (Kyle Terada)

Kevin Durant is officially a free agent, as ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski says he has declined his $31.5 million option to return to the Warriors next season.

Before Durant's Achilles injury, this move was basically 100 percent going to happen. But there was the thought that he might want to opt back into his deal with Golden State following his surgery, and then hit the market next season.

However, Woj added that opting in would be Durant's "last resorts, as teams have still shown tremendous interest in arguably the best player in the league, even though he is likely out all of next season. SNY's Ian Begley has been reporting the Knicks believe they are among the desired teams in Durant's camp...

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Nets' Nicolas Claxton knows he and Jarrett Allen can be 'extremely disruptive' on the court

At his introductory press conference on Monday, new Net Nicolas Claxton left no doubt that he can fit well with Brooklyn center Jarrett Allen.

"I think that me and him, on the same court, will able to be extremely disruptive, especially on the defensive end," Claxton, the 6-foot-11 big from Georgia selected 31st overall by Brooklyn, told reporters on Monday.